Teen Suicide
Robert R. Cassman, MA
Recently we have seen and read about teenagers committing suicide live on social media. This is a tragedy each and every time.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for those from age 10-24. More teens die from suicide than from AIDS, cancer, heart disease, stroke, and pneumonia combined. 80% of teens that attempted suicide gave warning signs.
Some common signs:
- Threats
- “I hate my life”
- “I’d be better off dead”
- “I won’t be bothering you long.”
- “I just want to die.”
- Previous attempts as well as self-harm
- Preoccupation and obsession with death and suicide.
- Depression
- Final arrangements
- Giving away their stuff
- Saying Goodbye
Other signs
- Experiencing a loss/death
- Drug use (initial or an increase in previous use)
- Parental divorce
- Shame, loneliness, physical complaints
- Risk taking
- Poor concentration
Bullying has always been a contributing factor to teen suicide. With the popularity of social media, bullying is more frequent and more vile. Teens in their own bedroom can suffer from bullying. For teens, participation in social media is more important than it would be to an adult and it is important for the adult to not simply downplay social media’s role.
If you are concerned about your teenager you should seek help immediately.